Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) is a Government driven housing program that aims to make Malaysia the home away from home. One of the main reasons why the Government of Malaysia began this program was to allow people from different corners of the world to have a long-term stay in Malaysia. MM2H participants is encouraged to stay here longer.
As such, through the Ministry of Tourism and Culture (MOTAC), the Government has been able to turn Malaysia into a second home for quite a large number of people through MM2H applications.
However, there are changes made as Ministry of Tourism would no longer be MM2H. Instead, Home Ministry and Immigration taking control of MM2H program. During the Covid 19 pandemic, visa applications were suspended for over a year therefore they were reviewing the MM2H programme.
Let’s take a look on the new and revised MM2H requirements.
Revised Requirements for MM2H
Financial
Being a program that is focusing on making Malaysia accessible to people from all over the world, a lot may be needed to prove one’s eligibility. Financially, the requirement for MM2H has increased.
After the revised MM2H criteria, about 10 new conditions were announced by the Federal Government in August 2021. This include:
RM1.5million in liquid assets,
RM40,000 in offshore income,
RM1million in a Malaysian fixed deposit,
and an additional RM50,000 per dependent (add to the fixed deposit).
Additional requirement:
Retirees need to show proof of receiving pension from government/an authority for RM10,000 per month
An annual payment of RM90 for social pass
One-off personal bond payment costs approximately RM2,000
Existing MM2H pass holders only need to comply with two out of the 10 new conditions – an increase in the pass fee from RM90 to RM500 per year and the requirement to stay in the country for a minimum of 90 days a year.
Those applying for the MM2H program should be financially stable and able to support themselves throughout the process. The Government of Malaysia will at no point fund those who are part of the program.
Properly team would like to point out that the rules on this website apply only to West Malaysia and Sabah. Sarawak has different rules and requirements. Sarawak’s programme is known as Sarawak MM2H (S-MM2H).
How about Sarawak MM2H programme? No changes have been made to it.
Sarawak MM2H Financial Requirement:
Opening a fixed deposit account with any local bank in Sarawak with a minimum fixed deposit of RM150,000 per individual and RM300,000 per couple;
For applicants aged 50 years and above, by presenting proof of government approved pension funds with minimum RM7,000 per individual and RM10,000 per couple; or
For applicants aged 30 years and above, by showing proof of monthly off-shore income funds of RM7,000 per individual and RM10,000 per couple.
Country of residence
One of the factors that the Malaysian Government considers is the current country of residence. For one to be eligible for the MM2H program, he or she has to be a resident of a country that is officially recognized by the Government of Malaysia to be MM2H applicants.
Currently, a good number of European, American, and Asian countries are supported by the program. Here is a list of some of the countries that are common participants country of origin and neighbouring countries in the program;
Taiwan
Republic of China
Republic of India
Islamic Republic of Iran
Republic of Korea
Japan
United Kingdom of Great Britain
Northern Ireland
People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Republic of Singapore
Background
Everyone is free to submit an application for the MM2H program, regardless of their religious or cultural background. Other factors such as age and gender can in no way affect a person’s eligibility to apply for the program.
The program focuses on benefiting both the young and the old. And the best part is that married couples are allowed to bring their spouses along with them after their application has been approved. In addition, children who are unmarried and are below the age of 21 can also accompany their parents during their stay courtesy of the MM2H program.
Medical report
The MM2H program requires that all applicants together with their family members provide medical reports. The reports have to be processed by a certified clinic or a private hospital based in Malaysia. The government does this to ensure that those coming into the country provide no health-related threats to the citizens of Malaysia.
Medical insurance
In the event that an application is approved, the applicant has to provide valid medical insurance that will cover all medical needs during the stay.
Why MM2H program?
The MM2H program boasts of a great deal of success, and this is true according to the data that is available. Since its introduction in 2002, the program has benefited very many people, particularly those in the financial sector. This has proven that Malaysia is one place where everyone can invest and benefit. Here are some of the things that make the MM2H program the best.
Economy and interest rates
The laws governing the transfer of funds are liberal, allowing people from different economic classes to invest without fretting. Those in the property sector can particularly benefit from an endless list of opportunities available in Malaysia as foreign citizens. You can buy property as foreigner in Malaysia too. The country has one of the most respectable interest rates when it comes to the sale and purchase of a property. Property managers who are ambitious are able to make good use of friendly interest rates to their benefit. It has good financial conditions for people.
As such, Malaysia has become a financial beacon attracting property investors form of investment like passive investment or security bond from both developed and third world countries. With the help of the MM2H program, things just got to a whole new level.
The country has grown into a financial giant making good use of its property investment sector. As a result, Malaysia has a good business environment that supports financial growth giving everyone a chance to prosper, both in the property sector and other avenues of business.
Diversity
The other reason why a person may consider going for the MM2H program is that it’s among the few programs that appreciate diversity. Malaysian citizens and Federal Government are friendly people who are diverse and respect other cultures. It doesn’t matter where you come from, the people here will welcome you warm-heartedly. With the help of the MM2H program, you have the opportunity to be part of a great community that will meet all your business needs.
Endless opportunity
With vast opportunities in the property management sector, the probability of success in the housing business is very high. One does not have to be an expert in the business to be successful in Malaysia. Young entrepreneurs have taken advantage of the opportunities that the MM2H program provides
Aesthetic value
Malaysia is a beautiful country that can pass as a paradise in disguise. The neighborhoods are very lively and the food here is very good. The climate is also very favorable, with warm weather a good part of the year. Many foreign retirees have benefited from the My Second Home program and are currently spending their grace period in Malaysia.
Entry Requirements for Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)
In addition to being eligible, there are a number of requirements that a person has to meet before he or she can apply for the program. True to say, an individual can be eligible but without having all the requirements, an application for the MM2H program may be unsuccessful.
The program brings people of all sorts’ right at the doorstep of Malaysia. It is for this reason that the Government of Malaysia has put in place a list of requirements, which govern the whole process. This is not done to deter potential visitors, but it is just a precautionary measure. The program focuses on the needs of the applicants, with a majority of the requirements being basic needs. Recently, The Minister of Home Affairs, who is responsible for the visa program, decided to significantly increase the entry requirements in order to attract ‘quality’ applicants.
Steps to Apply for MM2H
Once a person has met all the requirements mentioned above, the application process is merely a walk in the park. There are five basics steps that are involved in the application process.
1. Pre-Submission
This step mainly requires the applicant to obtain all the official forms that are required to start the application process. This can be done by visiting the CHECK N’ TRACK system for online form filling and additional document download.
2. Submission through a Trusted Agent
If you don’t like paperwork, this is the best option for you. With the help of a trusted agent, the application process for the program becomes even easier. It is also likely to go a bit faster because agents are well familiar with government offices. An agent can also act as a sponsor during your application process. This will result in them covering a Personal Bond of RM2, 000.
There are certified agents who are solely experts in assisting applicants who are interested in the MM2H program. The services offered may incur additional costs so one has to be financially prepared. The average fee for an agent is about RM 10,000. The chosen agent will guide you through the entire process, informing you of all that is required for the application to be successful. To avoid foul play, only consult agents who are recognized by the MM2H center.
Self-submission
Applicants also have the option of submitting the forms on their own. This can help in saving the agent fee. Unlike in the case of an agent, those submitting the application on their own will have to pay the Personal Bond and in addition, look for a sponsor.
3.Receiving a Conditional Letter of Approval
The next step of the application process involves the issuance of a Conditional Approval Letter by the immigration unit. The applicant must come with this letter on the reporting date as it will show that the applicant has gone through all the processes and has filled all the forms.
4.Reporting
After receiving an official Conditional Approval Letter, the applicant can now report to Malaysia whenever they are ready. On arrival, a fixed-deposit account has to be created and the certificate forwarded to the MM2H center. The money deposited in this account can only be withdrawn when a person is no longer part of the MM2H program. However, each individual who is still in the program is allowed to make partial withdrawals after a period of one year.
5.Collection of MM2H Visa
The applicant can now collect his or her MM2H visa from the MM2H immigration center. A Social Visit Pass MM2H visa lasts for ten years. After the ten year period, a visa renewal can be done depending on how long the person plans on staying.
It is important to keep in mind that the participation in mm2h programme only makes Malaysia your second home and not a permanent home. There are lots of visas like employment visas and national visa.
The visa program in place only allows you temporary stays and visits to the country. Upon expiry, it is each person’s responsibility to renew the visa so that he or she can stay in good terms with the relevant authorities. The MM2H visa cannot be converted to a residential property purchase or permanent residency contract.
Summary
Malaysia always welcome tourist, expats and retiree. If you have thought of residing in Malaysia as your second home, you can apply for Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme.
The information on this website is subject to change at any time without prior notice from Properly. Quantitative metrics are taken and used based on recency at the time of writing. While the Properly team takes information accuracy seriously, we are not liable for any losses due to incorrect information. The information provided is solely to inform users and is not in any way a form of offer or contract unless stated otherwise.
